Olokun, beach sand sculpture
Copyright 2018, Bob Atisso. All Rights Reserved

Visualizing Birth has previously looked at themes of birth, maternity, parenting, and children in Bob Atisso’s beautiful sand sculptures (See: Visualizing Birth Through Bob Atisso’s Sand Sculptures). Atisso’s Olokun pays homage to the ocean goddess and orisha spirit of the same name in the Yoruba religion of West Africa. The name Olókun derives from “olo,” which means “owner” and “okun,” meaning “ocean.” [1]. Olokun also symbolizes fertility and rebirth and is seen by some as providing her followers with children [2].

In Atisso’s representation of Olokun, we see layers of rounded mounds of sand that come together to form the goddess’ body. With eyes closed, the sculpture appears peaceful, a serene ocean in the distance behind her. On Atisso’s website for this artwork, the artist describes an African fertility mask on his page about Olokun:

African fertility mask has been used in African culture for centuries during rituals to evoke motherhood and birth. The mystery about it (is) that infertile women could get pregnant by touching the mask, though the legend says: “Women are the flowers of humanity.” This comparison underlines the ability of flowers to ensure the continuity and perennials of spices and so are women to humanity [3].

Those who are pregnant can use Atisso’s calming sand sculpture of Olokun as they prepare for labor and birth. The fullness of the figure makes it appear pregnant itself and the goddess’ resting spot beside the sea brings to mind the steady rhythm of the ocean, often a helpful sound reminiscent of the rise and fall of contractions as labor progresses towards birth.

To view more of Bob Atisso’s works or to contact the artist, visit his website or instagram page. Atisso has made his creation in sand art festivals around the world, including in Japan and Taiwan.